Undergraduate Research
Symposium
Program
April 23, 2021
S
YMPOSIUM
S
CHEDULE
Time Event Location
8:00‐8:30 AM Orientation for speakers, moderators, and judges. Refreshments Admin 127 8:30‐11:00 Oral Presentations Admin 127 11:00‐12:00 Poster Q&A Sessions Online
The organizing committee would like to thank the following individuals and organizations for their support of this event:
The GSW Foundation | Bob Slenker | Cheri Paradise
Volunteer Judges Blue Argo Marianna Baykina Allen Brown Paula Bryant Michelle Dykes Gary Fisk Morgan Goulding Elizabeth Gurnack Kimberly Hasbach John Lejeune Mohammad Mostafavi‐Dehzooei Judy Orton Grissett Jessica Ouzts Yangil Park Jayme Roseth‐Penn Anh‐hue Tu Committee Members Ian Brown Lysa Chizmadia Michelle Dykes Nedialka Iordanova Anne Jacobs, Chair John LeJeune Benjamin Meador Suzanne Smith, Provost
Time Talk Schedule in Admin 127 8:30 AM Campaigning in the Digital Age: Evidence from the 2016 Republican Presidential Primaries Presenter: Mark Hubbard 8:45 AM Public Schools and COVID‐19: An Analysis of the Federal Response to the Pandemic Presenter: Wilson Evans 9:00 AM Calvin Coolidge, Ronald Reagan, and the Nature of American Conservatism Presenter: Caleb Kot 9:15 AM Louisiana Prison Policy: A Political Analysis of the State's Reputation and the Effort to Change It Presenter: Savannah Hall 9:30 AM Researching a Media Issue Through the Lens of Diversity: Historical Evidence and Lingering Effects of Racial Stereotyping in Children's Cartoons Presenter: JaMarcus Coley 9:45 AM Psychoanalysis and The Shining Presenter: Sabrina Hagler 10:00 AM Factors Affecting Consumer Behavior in The Entertainment Industry During and After COVID‐19 Presenter: Dorothy Bryans 10:15 AM AGATA‐ A GSW and Americus Trivia on Alexa Presenter: Bryce Bass 10:30 AM Dynamic Modeling of the Romantic Stylings between Romeo and Juliet Presenters: William Griggs and Joseph Burrows 10:45 AM Q&A Session: GSW Homecoming Highlights 2020 ‐ 2021: A Student Produced Newscast Presenters: Austin Wright and Deepayan Sinha Note: Available for advance viewing at the “GSW Undergraduate Research Symposium” YouTube channel
Pos ters in the 11:00 ‐11:3 0 am Live Q&A Session Pos ters in the 11:30am ‐12 :0 0 Live Q&A Session Enhancing Pati en t Safety by Minimizing Falls in a Clinica l Setting. Presenters: Short, Bl ue, Skala, Da vis Effects of Covid ‐19 on Student St ress. Presen te r: Jamie Morgan Pati ent Satisfaction with Medicat ions. Presenters : Ansley, Felker, Lynn, We st Per cei ved Stress and Self ‐Esteem: Is There a Re lat ionship? Pr es en ter : Jordan Brown Pati ent Satisfaction with Educational Teaching. Presenters: Wis e , Nichols, Montgo mery, Hooper, Reddick, Wi lliam Effects of Covid ‐19 on Student St ress. Presen te r: Cory Shattles Preventi on of Pressure Injuries Re la te d to He althcare Settings. Presenters: Vaicule vich, Edmunds, We llons A Survey of Carrion Beetl e s (Col eo pter a: Silphidae) in Southwest Georgi a. Presenter: Anth ony Ang e lino Hos p ital Acquire d Infection due to CAUTI. Presenters: Payne, Todd, Sims, Boisette Ovipositioning in Cavity Dwe llin g Mosquitoes at Different He ig hts . Presenter: G abrie lla Lopresti Pati ent Satisfaction with Discharg e Information. P resent e rs : Marti n , Zoe lle r, Wall The Influe nce of Cate rpillar Body Postur e on Bi rd Pr edati o n. Pres enter: Madaline Toth Evaluation of Communication Barriers Experienc e d Betwe e n Nur ses, He althcare Professionals, and Patients in Wome n’s and Childre n's He alth. Present e rs: Elli ott, Gunter, Schatz, Shaughnes sy, Vanhor n The Isolation an d P athoge n icity Asse ssme n t of Entomopathogenic Nematodes in the Gen e ra Stei ner n ema an d Heterorhabditis. Pr esenter : Olivia Mo ore CLABSI In fection Rate Comparison Among Three H o spitals. Presenters: Griffith, Cushing, Rag an, Joiner Is Pe rce ive d Professionalism of th e P h ysician Aff e cted by Their De cision to We ar a White Coat? Presenter: Theodore Hendr ixson The eff e ct s of w atching TV on the duration of an exerc ise training session at 60% VO 2 M A X (moder ate inte nsity) in colle ge recreatio n al male athl etes. Pre se n te r: Corey Smith Inve stig ating the Effects of Migration on Strike Re late d Bi rd Morta lity. Presenter: Chelse' P e rry Po ster p resent ation s wi ll be a vai lable for earl y view ing by the morning of Apr il 22nd. They can be found on the “GSW Undergraduate Research Symposium ” YouTube ch annel. Ple ase see the Symposium’s webpage fo r the link to access the live po st er ses si on s: www.g sw.edu /acad emics/ac ademic ‐affairs/undergrad ‐sympo sium
Oral Presentation Abstracts
Title: Campaigning in the Digital Age: Evidence from the 2016 Republican
Presidential Primaries
Presenter: Mark Hubbard Faculty Mentor: Jason Berggren
Abstract: As technology has evolved, so too have the campaigning methods of
those who seek elected office. This is particularly true for presidential candidates who have to reach voters all across country as opposed to a single state or congressional district. While the 2016 presidential candidates were not the first to utilize social media, there was a major uptick in its usage by both Republican and Democratic candidates. In this paper, I will be examining the social media usage of the campaigns for the three strongest candidates in the 2016 Republican presidential primaries: Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, and Marco Rubio. It is expected that each exhibited very different tendencies in their utilization of their social media accounts.
Title: Public Schools and COVID‐19: An Analysis of the Federal Response to the
Pandemic
Presenter: Wilson Evans Faculty Mentor: Jason Berggren
Abstract: This paper will be an exploration of the United States government's
handling of the COVID‐19 pandemic as it relates to public schools. This focus will mainly be on the executive branch, specifically the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the White House Task Force. I will be comparing the differences in their messaging and guidelines and their interactions with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The effectiveness of the White House Task Force as an instrument of handling the pandemic will also be examined. For this analysis, I will be primarily using government reports and official statements to illustrate how miscommunication undermined the federal response and how the administration departed from past White House practices.
Title: Calvin Coolidge, Ronald Reagan, and the Nature of American Conservatism Presenters: Caleb Kot
Faculty Mentor: Jason Berggren
Abstract: Using the presidencies of Calvin Coolidge and Ronald Reagan as case
studies, this essay will attempt to ascertain the properties of conservatism in the United States. In his autobiography, Reagan praised Coolidge's performance as president, commending his decision to decrease both taxes and spending while balancing the budget. Well before, during, and after his presidency, Reagan emphasized the importance of fiscal restraint (emulating Coolidge at least in rhetoric). Due at least in part to these similarities, both Coolidge and Reagan are commonly regarded as being "conservative" presidents. However, despite the similarities, there were clearly points of divergence between the two. If they were
contemporaries, Coolidge and Reagan would disagree on the appropriate role of America on the world stage, free trade, and immigration. Still today, self‐identified "conservatives" disagree about the appropriate role of the government concerning the aforementioned subjects. This begs the question: what exactly is conservatism? Has it changed fundamentally over time? If so, where does today’s leading brand of conservatism stand in relation to the conservatism of Coolidge and Reagan, respectively? Title: Louisiana Prison Policy: A Political Analysis of the State's Reputation and the Effort to Change It Presenter: Savannah Hall Faculty Mentor: Jason Berggren Abstract: As of 2020, the state of Louisiana has the highest incarceration rate of any U.S. state. The problem of high incarceration rates began to rise in the early 1990s and has steadily risen throughout the last twenty years. Certain political factors have had an important impact on the increase of incarcerated individuals in Louisiana. These include laws passed by the state legislature and politicians who wanted to become stricter on criminals in order to gain or hold office in an increasingly competitive political setting. But things may be changing. Today, the state, under the leadership of Governor John Bel Edwards, is battling its reputation as the leader in incarceration rates. Edwards, the only Democratic governor in the Deep South, has promised to end the overcrowding in prisons and excessive sentencing of individuals who have been convicted of a crime. He and those who support his attempts at reform still face several obstacles, including the “tough on crime” mindset that has so prevalent since the 1990s. This paper examines these obstacles. Title: Researching a Media Issue through the Lens of Diversity: Historical Evidence and Lingering Effects of Racial Stereotyping in Children's Cartoons Presenter: JaMarcus Coley Faculty Mentor: Cindi Corbat‐Cox Abstract: Last semester, I conducted research looking at media through the lens of diversity. My topic was stereotypes in cartoons. During the early 90’s and 2000's, there was a huge selection of cartoons that children loved to watch. The shows, however, featured some shocking negative stereotypes especially regarding people of color whose characters were largely based on unflattering images, poor vernacular treatment, weak story lines, etc. I compared them with their white counterparts who played lead characters, often as the hero, the boy/girl next door or other positive roles. As characters of color served in minor roles, often of little significance to the series. Rewatching those shows and reading historic literature on "Black Face" performances was an unacceptable eye opener! I chose this topic because I want my audience to be aware of the treatment people of color and LGBTQ+ characters received during those times and to bring attention to the
potential for long lasting damage to young viewers unable to discern or properly process the negative images and biased messages historically found in children's cartoons. I believe we should validate and amplify people of color in cartoons, especially now as diversity in media is slowly progressing. My research shows evidence of these trends and my presentation brings hope and a new voice promoting diversity in all forms of communication, fine arts and in children's cartoons.
Title: Psychoanalysis and The Shining Presenter: Sabrina Hagler
Faculty Mentor: Michael Moir
Abstract: The Shining, by Stephen King, is a story teeming with situations and
characters to analyze psychologically. Films can generate fear through jumpscares and eerie music, but a story may only utilize words on a page. Through the platform of literature, King must use different tactics to generate fear, which he accomplishes by unsettling readers with psychological horror. "The Master of Horror" is able to scare his readers by illuminating the true horrors that people commonly repress, and to do this, King takes from the innovative psychological ideas of Sigmund Freud and Jaques Lacan. A psychoanalytic reading of the dreams, societal pressures, and childhood trauma in the story reveals subconscious desires of the author and readers. Psychoanalytic criticism focuses on the mental state of the author and characters of a book, and establishes a connection between their findings and the story. An initial reading of The Shining reveals how an extreme case of cabin fever destroys a crumbling family's lives, but through the use of psychoanalytic criticism and employing different types of psychological ideas, Stephen King's horror novel can be interpreted in a more complex way. Title: Factors Affecting Consumer Behavior in The Entertainment Industry During and After COVID‐19 Presenter: Dorothy Bryans Faculty Mentor: Irina Toteva
Abstract: Despite the increasing amounts of research on COVID‐19, few studies
have explored the effects that the 2020 pandemic has had on consumer behavior in the entertainment industry. This research provides an exploration of how consumers’ fear, need for sociability, and fandom interact to affect consumers’ likelihood to seek entertainment outside of the home. One experimental‐design study tests the hypotheses that varying levels of fear, fandom devotion, and value placed on the social aspect of entertainment will affect people’s likelihood to attend a movie theater. Implications for theory and practice will be discussed in more detail.
Title: AGATA‐ A GSW and Americus Trivia on Alexa. Presenter: Bryce Bass Faculty Mentor: Sai Mukkavilli Abstract: For our project, we are developing an Alexa app that will be about GSW. It will be a short quiz that any Alexa user can use, and it will test their knowledge about GSW. The project will mainly be focused on the actual development within Alexa. With Amazon’s resources, particularly developer.amazon.com, The meat of the app will be made. The app will be able to recognize the users who try out the quiz and will be able to compare past attempts. It will be functional by both voice and key input. We will also have a website counterpart to it that will be made available. Title: Dynamic Modeling of the Romantic Stylings between Romeo and Juliet Presenter: William Griggs and Joseph Burrows Faculty Mentor: Manoj Thapa Abstract: There is the age‐old question that seems to rack the brains of even the greatest philosophers: What is Love? Love is often seen as a feeling or an emotion one has for another individual. The objective of this paper is to take an intangible concept and qualitatively represent it with a sequence of mathematical models involving a system of ordinary differential equations. We do this by describing the love versus time relationship in a romantic setting. A couple linear system will be developed which displays the different instances of love in three scenarios and portrayed in a phase portrait to predict the long‐term results of those scenarios. Although depicting numerical values for love may be difficult, by using differential equations and their corresponding eigenvalues, we are able to portray the relationship’s outcome such as an infinite cycle of love and hate.
Poster Abstracts
Title: Enhancing Patient Safety by Minimizing Falls in a Clinical Setting Presenter: Kaily Short. Tamecia Blue, Madison Skala, and Tyisha Davis Faculty Mentor: Bonnie GaryAbstract: Nurses and other healthcare professionals are responsible for the
patients' safety inside the healthcare setting. Between 30‐35% of patients who fall will sustain an injury and possibly death. Falls account for longer hospital stays, increase hospital costs, and patient complications. There are a variety of safety techniques that encompass fall prevention and influence patient safety. It takes an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to facilitate the accommodations put into place for patient safety and fall prevention. The goal for this project is to address pertinent statistics relating to patient falls, guidelines put into place to prevent falls, and protocols put into place to discern when a fall occurs.
Title: Patient Satisfaction with Medications
Presenter: Ashley Ansley, Logan Felker, Camryn Lynn, and Destiny West Faculty Mentor: Bonnie Gary
Abstract: Patient satisfaction with medications is an important part of patient‐
centered care. With this poster, we plan to evaluate patient satisfaction of medications through research gathered from multiple scholarly peer‐reviewed articles and through statistics from various Georgia hospitals. Most hospitals judge patient satisfaction with medications through patient discharge surveys. Studies have shown that when patients are satisfied with their medications, they are more likely to adhere to the medication regimen that is prescribed to them by the health care provider. Effective teaching methods of medications combined with an explanation of why each medication is needed has shown that patients are more likely to be satisfied with their medications as well.
Title: Patient Satisfaction with Educational Teaching
Presenter: Abby Wise, Brooksie Nichols, Julianna Montgomery, Karsen Hooper,
Shabreka Reddick, Kaitlyn William
Faculty Mentor: Bonnie Gary
Abstract: Patient satisfaction is imperative when measuring the quality and
efficiency of care in a healthcare system. Patient satisfaction and discharge education affects clinical outcomes as well as readmission rates. Over 80 Georgia hospitals are being penalized for the rise in readmissions and will receive lower reimbursements from Medicare (Miller, 2020). Patient readmissions cost Medicare over 26 million dollars yearly, leading to an increase in hospital penalizations. Not only do readmissions cost hospitals millions, it also takes an emotional toll on patients and caregivers (Wilson, 2019). The goal of educational teaching provided to patients by healthcare facilities is to provide competent and safe nursing care and a higher quality of educational teaching pertaining to promoting health with each patient. The purpose of our research project is to examine patient satisfaction within three different hospitals in the southern region of the United States in order to develop better patient outcomes and to improve methods of providing educational teaching to patients that is supported by evidence‐based practice.
Title: Prevention of Pressure Injuries Related to Healthcare Settings Presenter: Steven Vaiculevich, Colton Edmunds, Tatyana Wellons Faculty Mentor: Bonnie Gary
Abstract: Pressure ulcers are a severe and potentially deadly complication that
continue to affect patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and all care facilities. A pressure ulcer is an injury to the skin or the underlying soft tissue due to prolonged pressure on a particular area of the skin, primarily over a bony area, due to reduced blood flow. Pressure injuries are preventable complications, but continue to occur commonly throughout the healthcare system. According to a nation‐wide study in
2016, pressure ulcers cost the United States healthcare system $9.1 to $11.6 billion per year (Bauer et al). This poster will examine what pressure injuries are, who are most susceptible, and why they are still a prominent issue. This poster will also look at the proactive prevention methods hospitals are taking, their effectiveness, and the care provided to patients once a pressure injury occurs. Title: Hospital Acquired Infection due to CAUTI Presenter: Olivia Payne, Ronnie Todd, Amber Sims, Abigail Boisette Faculty Mentor: Bonnie Gary
Abstract: Catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are infections
associated with the prolonged use of catheters in hospital patients. They are a major problem for patients and hospitals as they can potentially lead to severe harm and increased costs for the hospital. About 75% of UTIs from hospitals come from catheters, and between 15‐25% of hospitalized patients have a catheter, (CDC, 2015) so it is important to do everything to reduce the incidence of CAUTIs in the hospital. This poster will examine the causes of CAUTIs and their development; as well as prevention methods, significance, and nursing implications of CAUTIs. This poster will also research statistics and the effectiveness of varying methods to help prevent the development of CAUTIs. Our goal is to provide education on CAUTIs as well as to show research on the statistics and the potential methods to prevent CAUTIs. Title: Patient Satisfaction with Discharge Information Presenter: Jessica Martin, Chloe Zoeller, Bailey Wall Faculty Mentor: Bonnie Gary Abstract: This study evaluates the effectiveness of discharge teaching and how it correlates with patient satisfaction. Discharge planning for the patient begins at the time of admission and planning should be molded according to each patient's needs and level of understanding. Readmission rates are increased when discharge information is not adequately understood by the patient. Hospitals around the state of Georgia are being financially penalized for their high rates of patient readmission after discharge. A comparison of two regional hospital's discharge satisfaction records reveals the patient's level of understanding regarding education at discharge and how this correlates with readmission rates. Title: Evaluation of Communication Barriers Experienced between Nurses, Healthcare Professionals, and Patients in Women’s and Children's Health Presenter: Meradeth Elliott, Hannah Gunter, Sarah Schatz, Emily Shaughnessy, and Megan Vanhorn Faculty Mentor: Bonnie Gary
Abstract: Patient satisfaction when communicating with nurses is an essential
component of patient care in Women and Children’s Health. This poster will examine the purpose and importance of utilizing proper communication
techniques. We will examine and compare communication statistics for three of the main hospitals in the South West Georgia region. There are multiple communication barriers between patients and nurses that negatively impact patient perception of care. Over 40% of women do not return to postpartum visits due to inadequate information at time of discharge (Optimizing postpartum care). Being aware and understanding patients’ communicative preferences will allow for enhanced satisfaction and patient outcomes. Title: CLABSI Infection Rate Comparison among Three Hospitals Presenter: Kate Griffith, Bella Cushing, Erin Ragan, Mady Joiner Faculty Mentor: Bonnie Gary Abstract: Central‐Line Associated Blood Stream Infections (CLABSI) are potentially
life‐threatening infections associated with central line catheters. CLABSIs result from an isolated pathogen and are diagnosed with blood cultures (Latif, 2015). Patients with CLABSIs are at a higher risk for mortality and experience increased length of hospital stay. In addition to decreased patient outcomes, CLABSI's result in increased health care costs for both the healthcare facility and for the patient. We will be reviewing and comparing incidence rates of CLABSIs among 3 different hospitals located in a rural area for the purpose of analyzing how CLABSI rates differ among hospitals. This information can be used to identify which hospital measures are more effective at reducing CLABSI infections. Title: The effects of watching TV on the duration of an exercise training session at 60% VO2MAX (moderate intensity) in college recreational male athletes Presenter: Corey Smith Faculty Mentor: Catalina Casaru Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a self‐selected TV show or movie on the duration of an aerobic exercise training session. Twenty recreational male athletes participated in three trials, 48 to 72h apart. The trials included one VO₂max and two aerobic exercise trials. Participant's height, weight, % body fat, and VO₂max were collected on the first visit. The exercise trials included a control (without TV) and an experimental trial (with TV). Exercise trials included a warm‐up at a self‐selected speed, then a transition into exercising at 60% of their VO₂ max. Experimental sessions involved a self‐selected TV show or movie playing at a volume ≥=75 decibels. Participants were instructed each trial to exercise as long as they could until they voluntarily stopped. Heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were taken prior, every five minutes, and at the end of the exercise trials. PRETIE‐Q questionnaires were administered before and after sessions to measure the tolerance and preferences of each exercise session. Results indicate that, on average, exercising at 60% of VO₂max while watching TV has increased the duration of the exercise session by 5 min and 14 sec when compared to control.
Title: Effects of Covid‐19 on Student Stress Presenter: Jamie Morgan
Faculty Mentor: Marianna Baykina
Abstract: I examined a relationship between perceptions of social support and
stress, anxiety, and depression in a correlational study. Although a correlational study cannot provide information about whether more positive perceptions of social support might account for lower perceived stress and symptoms of anxiety and depression, it can provide information about whether there might be a connection between perceived social support and degree to which the person perceives stress and experiences anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms. I used four self‐report measures. The measures were Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) to assess perceptions of social support, Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS) to assess symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS) to assess resilience, and a short demographic questionnaire. The short demographic questionnaire was used to see if there were any cross‐ethnic differences and differences with regard to college class standing.
Title: Perceived Stress and Self‐Esteem: Is There a Relationship? Presenter: Jordan Brown
Faculty Mentor: Marianna Baykina
Abstract: Stress is very common among college students. Self‐esteem has been
found to mediate stress perceptions. I examined the correlation between self‐ esteem and perception of stress among the college students on our campus to see how strong this relationship was expressed, if at all. Although a correlational study cannot provide information about whether higher self‐esteem might account for lower perceived stress, it can provide information about whether there might be a connection between individual's self‐esteem and a degree to which the person perceives stress. I used three paper‐and‐pencil surveys. These measures were Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale (RSES) to assess self‐esteem, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) to assess perceived stress, and a short demographic questionnaire. Both RSES and PSS are standard measures used in research and provide for good measurements. The short demographic questionnaire was used to see if there were any cross ethnic differences. Title: Effects of Covid‐19 on Student Stress Presenter: Cory Shattles Faculty Mentor: Marianna Baykina Abstract: I assessed the effects of COVID‐19 on student stress, aspects of mental health, and school performance in a correlational study. I used three measures: the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS‐42), and a short demographic questionnaire with questions about the gender and class level of the students, the impact of COVID‐19 on the family and financial situation,
and the perceptions of impact of COVID‐19 on class performance. A drawback of the study is the absence of a baseline for student stress before the pandemic due to the unpredictable nature of such an event. Results indicated considerable effects of COVID‐19 on student well‐being and a significant correlation between the level of perceived stress and reported levels of symptoms of depression and anxiety. Title: A Survey of Carrion Beetles (Coleoptera: Silphidae) in Southwest Georgia Presenter: Anthony Angelino Faculty Mentor: Ian Brown
Abstract: A survey to determine the distribution of carrion beetle (Coleoptera:
Silphidae) distribution in Southwest Georgia was conducted on the Georgia Southwestern State University Bowen Property nature reserve. Pitfall traps were baited with raw chicken drumsticks. As the chicken putrification progressed, different species of insects (mostly in the orders Coleoptera and Diptera) were attracted to the traps. We anticipate the collection of carrion beetles in the subfamily Silphinae and genera Necrophila, Nicrophorus, and Oiceptoma. Title: Ovipositioning in Cavity Dwelling Mosquitoes at Different Heights Presenter: Gabriella Lopresti Faculty Mentor: Ian Brown Abstract: Cavity dwelling mosquito species often lay their eggs in species‐specific cavity types. This study uses oviposition traps to examine the effect of cavity height on the oviposition behavior of tree hole and artificial container dwelling species. Oviposition traps were suspended in trees at three different heights (ground level, 2, and 4 meters) on the Georgia Southwestern State University Campus, Americus, Georgia. Eggs were collected from the traps and reared to adult stage for identification. We expect to find tree hole and artificial container dwelling species in the following genera Aedes, Anopheles, Toxorhynchites, Orthopodomyia, and
Ochlerotatus.
Title: The Influence of Caterpillar Body Posture on Bird Predation Presenter: Madaline Toth
Faculty Mentor: Ian Brown
Abstract: Caterpillars of some lepidopteran species adopt defensive poses that
display bright eyespots or warning colors when threatened by bird predation. In this experiment we determine whether caterpillars that adopt a defensive pose, similar to that of the azalea moth caterpillar Datana major, are less likely to be attacked by birds than those maintaining a normal feeding pose. Ninety caterpillar models constructed from “emerald: and “red hot red” colored Sculpey III clay, were tested in edge habitats around Georgia Southwestern State University's campus. At each location 15 “defense” pose and 15 “feeding” pose caterpillar models were placed on trees. Any damage to the models was recorded twice a week and
damaged models replaced. We hypothesize that more “feeding” pose models will be attacked than those in the “defense” pose.
Title: The Isolation and Pathogenicity Assessment of Entomopathogenic
Nematodes in the Genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis
Presenter: Olivia Moore Faculty Mentor: Ian Brown
Abstract: A survey of entomopathogenic nematodes was conducted on the
campus of Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus, Georgia. The wax moth larvae, Galleria mellonella were used to bait soil samples collected around the campus grounds. The larvae were placed in the soil samples and assessed for nematode infection 72 and 144 hours later. Dead G. mellonella were collected and arranged in white traps (White 1927) and infective juveniles were collected from the water in the trap. Fresh G. mellonella larvae were infected with the nematodes to ensure that the nematodes were insect pathogenic and not saprophages. After the nematodes were characterized, their pathogenicity is tested using Koch’s Postulates. Nematode pathogenicity is then tested against different species of insect hosts. Entomopathogenic nematode genera are known to occur in Southwest Georgia. We anticipate the collection of species in the genera
Heterorhabditis and Steinernema. Title: Is Perceived Professionalism of the Physician Affected by Their Decision to Wear a White Coat? Presenter: Theodore Hendrixson Faculty Mentor: Judy Orton Grissett Abstract: This study aims to determine if the physician wearing a white coat affects
patients’ perceptions of the physician’s professionalism. In the study, professionalism was defined as the attitude towards the patient, level of condescension, rushed patient encounters, patient’s comfort level and ability to share private information, and level of knowledge of the physician. Data were collected through self‐reports obtained through surveys distributed to undergraduate students at a regional, four‐year public university. Results show that the white coat is preferred in the patient encounter, specifically that the white coat was ranked 1.30/6 with regards to the most preferred provider, 1.26/6 with regards to the most trusted provider and 1.86/6 when asked which provider would make the respondent most comfortable. The white coat received the highest ranking in each of the three questioned categories. By better understanding how patients perceive physicians based on their clothing, physicians may be able to better serve their patients. These findings are important because comprehensive and effective healthcare is crucial to creating a healthy society.
Title: Investigating the Effects of Migration on Strike Related Bird Mortality Presenter: Chelse' Perry
Faculty Mentor: Anne Jacobs
Abstract: Almost 1 billion birds are fatally injured due to window strikes across the
country. Aside from habitat destruction, the danger posed by these man‐made structures poses the largest known threat to avian life and threat to the environment around us. Species presently of conservation concern are among the many victims, creating a possibility for species extinction. It has been observed that many migratory birds are impacted during migratory seasons, however, the studies are not presently centered in Southwest Georgia. The results across the campus of Georgia Southwestern State University suggests that familiarity does not influence vulnerability to strikes. Relative abundance data showed that 82.6% of the 46 were year round birds, while 17.4% were part‐time residents. Scavenging data was gathered to account for birds foraged before carcass discovery, and determined that at least 14 birds were possibly unaccounted for.
Abstracts — Other Formats
Title: GSW Homecoming Highlights 2020 ‐ 2021: A Student Produced Newscast Presenter: Austin Wright and Deepayan Sinha Faculty Mentor: Cindi Courbat‐Cox Abstract: In 2020 the Intro to Video Production and Advanced Cinema Production students worked diligently to gather stories, photos and video clips during GSW’s Homecoming celebration. Our instructor, Cindi Cox guided us through pre‐ production tasks to help us develop good content and Bob Slenker came on board to help us begin the editing process. Spring break came and we expected to wrap up and debut our show after we returned to campus. But then, the unexpected happened, campus shut down as we sheltered at home. Now, here we are . . . two students taking the advanced class hoping to combine highlights from Homecoming 2020 and 2021 to present during this year’s Undergrad Research Symposium.Note: This project will be available for viewing at the “GSW Undergraduate
Research Symposium” YouTube channel.
